Jessica Stager, MS student

Jessica S. Stager, M.S.Email Jessica

Research Interests

I believe that often times the most direct path to environmental solutions is via simple communication, and in all my work I strive to build bridges between conservation science and public arenas. My current research deals with spatial and temporal patterns of diversity as they relate to human-induced change; my thesis will explore the relationship between semi-natural field management and butterfly diversity in a rural region of Vermont. Through this work, I aim to identify a few practical measures that can be taken to enhance the capacity of human-dominated systems to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as human activities.

Education

MS Candidate, Conservation Biology (2006)
Antioch University New England, Keene, NH

BA, Environmental Studies (2001)
The Evergreen State College

AA, English (1999)
Feather River College

Recent Professional Experience

Vermont Institute of Natural Science/Vermont Butterfly Survey
Rare Species Specialist
2005–Present

Whole Terrain Journal
Marketing and Development Associate
2004–Present

New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game
Nongame/Endangered Species Program
Karner Blue Butterfly Captive Rearing Biological Aide
2005

The Nature Conservancy/Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park
Karner Blue Butterfly Education and Stewardship Assistant
2004

Monteverde Butterfly Garden
Naturalist/Researcher
2003–2004

Vermont Forests, Parks & Recreation
Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
State Park Ranger
2003

Ferry Beach Ecology School
Naturalist
2001–2002

South Sound GREEN
(Global Rivers Environmental Education Network)
Program Coordinator
2000–2001

Cross-Cultural Experience

Guatemala
Attended a language and weaving school while participating in a homestay
2004

Costa Rica
Worked as a naturalist at the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. Traveled extensively
2003

Scotland
Attended the Centre for Human Ecology annual conference at the Findhorn Foundation and traveled along much of the west coast
1999

Guadalajara, Mexico
Participated in a homestay and improved my Spanish
1998

Personal Interests

Knitting, hiking, running, crew, yoga, reading novels, cooking, butterfly-chasing, ant-watching, sound recording and documentary.